Latest fromManawatu

Misogynistic billboard from 2000s reappears
The sign advertises a Southland Stags game to be played on September 25 against Manawatu.

$18,000 bill for three-day clean of elderly hoarder's house
Crime Scene Cleaners charged $18,000 to clean the house of a man who had just died.

Connecting the islands of the heart
Visiting writer to facilitate workshops for Manawatū's migrant and Pasifika communities.

Local Focus: The weighty issue of the bridge to Taihape
The Kuripapango Bridge is partially closed for 3 months. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Inexperience and infrastructure costs blamed for local government dysfunction
Three main factors get in the way of good governance, says a veteran councillor.

One dead after truck rolls in Manawatū-Whanganui region
The incident, between Te Kūiti and Taumarunui, blocked travel in both directions.

'Gentle giant' attacked in prison as he slept has died, homicide inquiry begins
'He was attacked in his sleep, he didn't stand a chance,' says grieving sister.

Convicted murderer on the run from police
Aubrey Harrison is on life parole after beating a paedophile to death.

Six helicopters battling spreading forestry fire near Palmerston North
Fire crews battled the forest blaze for hours yesterday.

Pair tried to put spoon up friend's bottom, filmed it
The offending happened during a drunken night out in 2019.

Watch: Gunman shoots at police, carjacks second vehicle, crashes into patrol car
"The cops were running around with massive guns."

Severe thunderstorms dump hail and cause flash flooding
A severe thunderstorm warning has now been issued for Gisborne and Wairoa.

Feilding childcare centre to reopen but investigation continues
The centre's owner has agreed to stay away from the site, ministry says.

Boeing wins bid to train RNZAF
Boeing says deal will help RNZAF run world's 'premier' maritime patrol planes.

Dune hoons on beaches targeted by police over summer
Motorists and motorcyclists are in the sights of police this summer.

Driver killed in crash in Norsewood, Tararua district
A driver has died in a single-vehicle crash about 7.55pm last night

Local Focus: The most unusual place to go for leaks and asparagus
"We sell a lot of asparagus", radiator mechanic says. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Local Focus: Too many in prison?
Candidates agree justice system needs work. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

'Gone in five minutes': shop owner devastated after blaze
Barry Daily said business had been booming before the fire hit.

Firefighters battling large fire next to fuel station
Police have diverted traffic and ask motorists to travel with care.

Local Focus: Rangitīkei candidates on which economy we should emulate
New Zealand is unique but isn't everywhere? Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Local Focus: What do candidates say is Palmerston North's biggest issue?
Infrastructure, jobs and housing top the list. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Local Focus: Palmerston North candidates talk tax
Is taxing the wealthy to help the poor worthwhile? Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Local Focus: Celebrating Aokautere the great Rangitāne chief
Oho and Aareta say Aokautere for us. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

School bus v train tragedy: Trapped students smashed windows to escape
"Everyone just stopped their vehicles and pitched in and helped," a witness said.

Local Focus: The island that's up a hill - Te Motu o Poutua
Oho and Aareta track down more Māori place names. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

School bus tragedy: Investigation launched into fatal crash
Anyone who witnessed the crash has been urged to contact the Commission.

'Extremely distressing': School bus driver killed, one student remains in hospital
Emergency services were called just after 8am.

Local Focus: Te Wiki o te Reo Māori embraces Manawatū
Oho and Aareta go down to the river. Made with funding from NZ On Air.